TINEE WAS THERE - CARNIVAL OF VENICE

THE CARNIVAL OF VENICE 2014 OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF

TINEE keeping warm at Carnival, Venice

(Venice, Italy), Venice's annual lavish carnival has kicked off with many tourists flocking to the event.

The carnival runs from February 15 to March 4 and includes a program of gala dinners, parades, dances, masked balls and music events.

It is free to attend and usually attracts around three million people.

The carnival is famous for its whacky costumes and amazing masks that visitors can purchase from stalls and at the end of it all there is a traditional costume ball that takes place at a different location each year.

Venetians were cloaked, masked, and robed in style for the first full day of the Venice Carnival on Sunday (February 16) as they rowed their way

along the canals followed by crowds of curious onlookers.

Scores of boats representing different organizations and affiliations made their way to the folkloric district of Cannaregio cheered on by visitors.

"The ending line is here in Sestiere di Cannaregio where at midday stalls are set up and everyone who comes to visit the Carnival eats for free," he added.

The Venice Carnival is world famous - it always takes place during the ten days leading up to Lent. Carnival, being a pre-Lent festival, means 'farewell to meat' and is celebrated throughout Italy.

It was first held in Venice in the 11th century and consisted of over two months of revelry, until it fell into decline during the 18th century. It was revived in 1979 with great success and nowadays it is a great excuse to don a mask and costume, parade around the city and enjoy the live music in the main squares of the city.

Visitors come from all over the world to visit Venice during this period.

"I like the balloons at the end, it was really nice, and it's the first time I've seen Venice, it's a really nice place. So it was lovely," said Australian tourist Mel.

Marc from France was also enthusiastic.

"Yes, it's the first time I see the Carnival and it's really interesting," he said with enthusiasm.

The packed program for this year's carnival which runs until March 4th includes numerous stylish balls with world-renowned artists, acrobats, and dancers

"The first parade at the start of the Venice Carnival is the parade of the Sestiere di Cannaregio where all the oars people from the district stage a race as their contribution to the carnival, and they are accompanied by all the local boats," explained local resident Francesco.